Srinagar, May 18: While Kashmiris are preoccupied with the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Bollywood has descended upon the picturesque region for the filming of one of the year’s most anticipated movies.
Director Rohit Shetty and lead actor Ajay Devgn were spotted in Srinagar’s Old City area of Zaina Kadal, where they commenced shooting scenes for the action-packed sequel “Singham Again.”
“I have been a fan of the Singham series for years. Watching the shoot up close is a dream come true. The entire neighborhood is buzzing with excitement,” another local added.
“The crew has been so respectful of our community. Seeing the care they take in capturing the beauty of Kashmir is heartwarming,” said local shopkeeper Faisal Mir.
“This is a much-needed boost for our tourism industry. I hope ‘Singham Again’ inspires more filmmakers to shoot in our incredible valley,” stated Kashmiri entrepreneur Rizwan Ahmed.
“The buzz around the shoot is keeping us all entertained amid the election fever. It’s the perfect blend of politics and pop culture,” quipped college student Aliya Lone.
The high-profile film crew, including actors Jackie Shroff, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tiger Shroff, Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and Arjun Kapoor, has been engaging with local officials and conducting location surveys in preparation for the final phase of filming. Sources indicate that while Shetty has already arrived in Kashmir, the remaining cast members, including Devgn and Shroff, who play pivotal roles, will join the production on Friday.
Over the next few days, the crew plans to shoot at various locales across the region, capturing the breathtaking landscapes of Kashmir as the backdrop for the highly anticipated cop drama. Directed by Rohit Shetty and featuring Ajay Devgn in the lead role, “Singham Again” is a sequel to the successful “Singham” franchise, which includes the 2011 release “Singham” and its 2014 follow-up, “Singham Returns.”
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, with Kareena Kapoor Khan, Tiger Shroff, Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and Jackie Shroff in supporting roles. Arjun Kapoor is set to portray the villain in this action-packed entertainer, which is slated for a theatrical release during the Independence Day weekend of 2024.
The arrival of such a high-profile Bollywood production in Kashmir is expected to provide a significant boost to the region’s tourism industry and further showcase its stunning natural beauty to a global audience. As the filming progresses, Kashmiris eagerly anticipate catching glimpses of their favorite stars in action, adding to the excitement surrounding both the elections and the upcoming cinematic release.
